Dual-Energy Microfocus X-Ray Imaging for Meat Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting bone fragments and foreign bodies in meat and poultry products are inadequate, particularly in poultry processing, as they fail to accurately analyze the entire product and struggle with the small size and density of poultry bones, leading to quality control issues and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing dual-energy microfocus X-ray sources and a stacked radiation detector to emit and receive dual-energy X-rays, which are then processed to generate a combined image that identifies foreign objects and fat content, enhancing the detection of small foreign objects and improving image contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radiographic techniques are used to detect foreign objects in meat products, then the entire product can be analyzed, but the detection of small bone fragments is difficult due to attenuation of X-rays and similar density between poultry bones and surrounding meat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the X-ray detection process into two distinct energy components: a first image at a first energy level and a second image at a second energy level. By separating the detection into multiple energy segments and processing them differently (with the second image being weighted more heavily), the system overcomes the limitation of conventional single-energy radiography in detecting low-contrast objects like poultry bone fragments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the X-ray beam by utilizing two different energy levels. This parameter change allows differential attenuation of various materials (meat, bone, foreign objects) to be exploited, improving the contrast and detectability of foreign objects that are difficult to distinguish at a single energy level.
2Measurement precision
If dual-energy X-ray imaging is used to improve foreign object detection, then the probability of detecting small foreign objects increases, but the device complexity increases with multiple X-ray sources and image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two radiographic images taken at different energy levels into a single processed image. By merging the information from both energy levels with appropriate weighting (emphasizing the second energy level), the system achieves improved foreign object detection while managing the complexity through integrated image processing rather than physically separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-energy imaging system serves multiple functions: it detects foreign objects, characterizes their material composition, and provides improved contrast for different types of contaminants. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering comprehensive analysis that a single-energy system cannot achieve.
3Measurement precision
If laboratory testing methods are used to detect fat content and contaminants, then accurate measurement of fat content is achieved, but the entire product cannot be analyzed and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical laboratory testing methods with non-invasive dual-energy X-ray imaging. This substitution allows for rapid, whole-product analysis without physical sampling or destruction of the product, thereby maintaining measurement precision for fat content and contaminants while dramatically improving processing speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray imaging system creates a digital copy or representation of the entire product's internal structure, allowing comprehensive analysis of fat distribution and foreign objects without physically handling or testing portions of the actual product. This copying approach enables full-product inspection at high speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly increases the probability of detecting small foreign objects, such as bone fragments, and measuring fat content, providing a more accurate and efficient quality control method for meat and poultry processing.
Implementation Method 1
attenuation of X-rays emitted in radiographic techniques require all other variables involved to be carefully controlled
Implementation Method 2
separating, via the stacked radiation detector system, the received microfocused energy X-ray beam into dual energy X-rays comprising a low energy X-ray image and a high energy X-ray image
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for foreign object detection in meat processing is provided. The system and method combine microfocus X-ray sources with dual energy X-rays to detect foreign objects in meat products. A dual energy image processing algorithm analyzes the dual energy X-rays passed through the meat product to identify the foreign object present therein. An alarm or other notification is then generated in response to the detection of a foreign object.